Caterham's Project V, an electric sports car, is evolving into a real road beast. With a Yamaha engine and a design that maintains the tradition of lightweight sports cars, this electric coupé will challenge the Porsche Cayman.
When it comes to the electrification of sports cars, Caterham has its own Caterham Project V has truly entered an exciting path of innovation. The British brand, known for its light and agile cars, has taken a step forward with its electric design and is preparing all speed lovers for a completely new electric pleasure - with the help of Yamaha's electric motor, of course.
Remember when Caterham last year on Goodwood Festival of Speed introduced the concept Project V? At that time, he surprised with an extremely low weight - only 1,190 kilograms (£2,623). Well, now this concept is no longer just a futuristic vision, but is becoming a reality. And the biggest surprise? The project will be powered by a very special source – Yamaha. The Japanese giant, better known for motorcycles than cars, will contribute an electric powertrain to power this road beast.
Electric power with a touch of Yamaha engineering
Caterham are reluctant to reveal too many details about the Yamaha engine that will power it Project V, but the concept presented last year had an impressive 268 hp (200 kW) and rear-wheel drive. Enough to successfully compete with competition such as the Porsche Cayman. Yamaha is not new to the automotive industry though - it has helped develop some iconic cars, among them Toyota 2000GT and Ford SHO. But now it is ready to transfer its mastery of electrification to a sports car.
The first production version of this car is expected to be completed by the middle of next year, and series production is planned for 2026. This means that we still have some time before we can get behind the wheel of this masterpiece, but it already promises a lot.
Fast acceleration and optimal autonomy
A concept we saw on Goodwood, also had some pretty impressive capabilities. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) was achieved in less than four seconds, and top speed was estimated at 230 km/h (143 mph). This was also helped by the 55 kWh lithium-ion battery, which offered a range of up to 400 kilometers (249 miles) on the optimistic WLTP cycle. In addition, the car supported DC fast charging with a power of 150 kW, which allows the battery to be charged from 20 % to 80 % in about 15 minutes. Yes, charging speed and acceleration are at a level befitting a sports electric car.
Cheap innovation - Maserati and Audi in components?
While you might expect such a car to be completely hand-built, Caterham didn't go that route. In the development process, they "borrowed" some parts from other cars. So inside you will find seats from Maserati and even some components from Audi TT. The upcoming production version is said to still use these and other available parts, which will help keep production costs down - meaning it will Project V maybe even more affordable than you might think at first.
Yamaha's history in motoring - an enviable list of projects
Yamaha, despite not producing its own cars, is not new to the automotive industry. In the 1960s, they helped Toyota develop the famous 2000GT and also worked with Ford to develop engines for the SHO series. Their most recognizable role was certainly in the development of the legendary Lexus LFA and its naturally aspirated V10 engine, which is still considered one of the most iconic. From V8 engines for Volvo to four-cylinders for the Toyota Celica and Lotus Elise, Yamaha has a rich history of innovation in the automotive world.
But now they are entering the field of electrification. Otherwise, they are still experimenting with hydrogen engines for their own buggies and golf vehicles, but electrification seems to be their next big step.
Conclusion - a sporty future with a touch of Yamaha's history
Caterham's Project V is more than just another sports electric car. It is a symbol of the cooperation of two technological giants - Caterham and Yamaha - which combine tradition, innovation and the electric future. With a Yamaha powertrain, this one will be sporty coupe offered a driving experience that will undoubtedly impress all lovers of speed and innovation.
Although it won't hit the roads for a few years, we can be sure that Caterham will continue to set new standards in the world of sports cars with its lightness and agility. It will Project V could beat the Porsche Cayman? Time will tell, but with Yamaha's electric power behind it, the odds are certainly on its side.
